Hospice of the Valleys - Byron Hayward raises over £700 in ‘Dry January’

Byron Hayward raises over £700 in ‘Dry January’

Byron Hayward.

Byron Hayward

A big well done to former Welsh rugby international Byron Hayward, who kicked alcohol into touch all through January to raise money for the Hospice!

He was joined in ‘Dry January’ by his fellow coaches Wayne Pivac, Ioan Cunningham and Stephen Jones from Scarlets in Llanelli – who all gave up their wine or beer for a whole month and together raised a fantastic £710 in sponsorship.

Byron, who has been an ambassador for the Hospice for nearly two years, said: ‘I’m so grateful to everyone who donated, and especially my fellow coaches at the Scarlets, who stayed disciplined for the whole month.’

In August 2015, Byron completed the Hospice’s National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in one day and raising over £2,000 for the Hospice – many thanks to him for his continued support.

Phil was shell shocked when diagnosed with Prostate Cancer three years ago, age 44. Not knowing where else to turn, Phil self-referred to the hospice, already aware of the service as his father- in- law had received support. “When I was diagnosed I was unsure where to turn. The hospice helped me understand my diagnosis and then explained the services they could provide to support me and my family” Shortly after Phil’s referral his specialist nurse saw he was suffering from a number of stress induced problems and suggested complementary therapy. “I was sceptical to begin with, but I could soon feel the benefits. My stress levels decreased and my sleep dramatically improved”. Phil received reflexology, massage and aromatherapy he also received these treatments when staying at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital. The treatments improved Phil’s physical and psychological symptoms, allowing him to open up, discussing his fears and anxieties in a safe and relaxed environment. “It was my oasis in life, it was me time and I didn’t get that anywhere else. I would highly recommend having complementary therapies to anyone who is unsure. They have helped me no end and I haven’t looked back since” Phil explained. During Phil’s journey he accessed a variety of the hospice’s services including family support, nursing and therapies. The clinical team worked together providing the support Phil needed. Phil was discharged from the hospice as his symptoms were controlled and stable. Although Phil was anxious about discharge, he worked with the team and knows that should anything change, the hospice is only ever a phone call away.